Digestive Health Basics About the Digestive System
Digestive Health Basics The gastrointestinal system may be a group of organs that employment together to vary the food you fret the energy and nutrients your body needs.
How the Digestive System Works
When you eat, food travels from the mouth down the esophagus to the stomach.
Then it moves through the tiny and enormous intestines, and eventually out through the anus as waste.
The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder also are included within the gastrointestinal system . These organs produce chemicals that allow digestion to occur.
All of those organs add harmony to form sure the body receives the nutrients it needs. Some of the organs are hollow, while others are solid.
A series of muscle contractions moves food through the gastrointestinal system from the hollow organs to the solid organs. This important process is called peristalsis.
The hollow organs of the gastrointestinal system include the following:
Mouth
Esophagus
This organ pushes food from the mouth down to the next part of the digestive system, the stomach.
Stomach
Once food drops down the esophagus, the muscles at the highest of the stomach relax to permit the food to enter.
After the food goes into the stomach, the muscles at the lowest of the stomach begin to maneuver .
The movement combines the food with the acidic digestive juices produced by glands within the stomach. The acid primarily breaks down foods containing protein.
Eventually, the contents of the stomach are emptied into the small intestine.
Small intestine
The muscles of the tiny intestine mix food with its own digestive juices, along side those from the pancreas and liver.
As the intestine pushes the food toward the massive intestine, these digestive juices help to further break down the food into carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
The walls of the tiny intestine then absorb nutrients from the digested food and deliver them into the bloodstream.
From there, the blood carries the nutrients to cells throughout the body.
Large intestine
Not all food is weakened by the gastrointestinal system . Waste, or undigested food and dead cells, is pushed right right right down to the large intestine.
The large intestine absorbs the water and remaining nutrients from the waste before transforming it into solid stool. Stool is stored at the top of the massive intestine, called the rectum, until it’s expelled from the body during a movement .
While the hollow organs play critical roles within the digestive process, the solid organs release various chemicals that allow the digestive process to truly work.
The solid organs of the gastrointestinal system include the following:
Pancreas
The pancreas is found within the upper a part of the abdomen, behind the stomach.
It produces digestive juices that help the tiny intestine break down food into carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
It also makes chemicals that help regulate blood glucose levels, which affect what proportion energy the body has available to use.
Liver
Gallbladder
The gallbladder may be a small pouch that stores the bile made within the liver.
During digestion, the gallbladder releases bile into the highest a part of the tiny intestine to interrupt down foods that contain fats.
Acid Reflux and GERD
The symptoms of acid reflux and GERD include:
- a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) that sometimes moves up to the throat
- a sour taste at the back of the mouth
- trouble swallowing
- dry cough
- sore throat
- nausea
- burping
- regurgitating food or sour liquid
- feeling a lump in your throat
Gallstones
Gallstones are solidified chunks of digestive juice which will form within the gallbladder. They can be as tiny as a grain of sand or as big as a ball.
People may have one gallstone or several gallstones at the same time. Some people don’t need any treatment for his or her gallstones, while others may require surgery to get rid of their gallbladder.
There are two main kinds of gallstones: cholesterol gallstones and bilirubin gallstones. Cholesterol gallstones are yellow and made mostly of cholesterol. Bilirubin gallstones, on the opposite hand, are dark brown or black and contain bilirubin.
Bilirubin could also be a chemical the body makes when it breaks down red blood cells.
A small gallstone may not cause any symptoms. A larger gallstone, however, often does cause symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- pain in the upper right section of the abdomen that radiates to the right shoulder or shoulder blades
- yellow tint in the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting
- clay-colored stools
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS may be a collection of symptoms that affect the massive intestine, causing extreme abdominal discomfort and pain.
It’s a chronic condition that has got to be managed with long-term treatment.
Most people with IBS can control their symptoms by modifying their diets and changing their lifestyle habits. Some people, however, may experience severe symptoms and wish medication and counseling.
Common IBS symptoms include:
- abdominal pain or cramps
- bloating
- gas
- diarrhea
- constipation
- mucous in the stool
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen veins round the anus or within the lower rectum at the top of the massive intestine. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external.
Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum, while external hemorrhoids are located under the skin round the anus.
Some common symptoms of hemorrhoids include:
- bleeding during bowel movements
- itching or irritation around the anus
- pain or discomfort around the anus
- swelling around the anus
- a lump near the anus
- leakage of stool
While hemorrhoids can cause some discomfort, they can typically be treated with over-the-counter ointments, creams, or suppositories.
More severe hemorrhoids that don’t resolve with simple home treatments may need to be treated with surgery.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience symptoms of any of the digestive disorders described above.
You should also contact your doctor right away if you have severe pain or bleeding, or bleeding that is accompanied by lightheadedness or dizziness.
Keeping your digestive system healthy can help you avoid digestive problems. Follow these easy tips to keep your digestive system in tip-top shape:
- Eat seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, minerals, enzymes, vitamins and prebiotics that keep your digestive system healthy.
- Eat whole-grain breads, pastas, and cereals. Whole grains contain more fiber and nutrients than white “enriched” grain products and help your good colon bacteria flourish.
- Avoid processed meats, such as sausages and hot dogs, as they can cause problems with the digestive system. You should also limit your consumption of beef, pork, and lamb. These meats are most likely to carry bacteria that can harm the digestive system.
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D. You can prevent digestive problems by making sure you consume an adequate amount of calcium-rich foods and beverages, such as milk, tofu, and yogurt. Taking vitamin D supplements and safely increasing your exposure to sunlight can also help prevent digestive issues.
- Exercise regularly. Staying physically active can help maintain a healthy digestive system. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity at least three days per week.
People who are overweight or underweight may be prone to more digestive problems. Exercising and eating a healthy diet can help lower your risk.
If you’re struggling to lose or gain weight, talk to your doctor about what you can do.